Essential Equipment
Helmet - Clean and unmarked for easy inspection in the event of a crash
Cycling Gloves - greatly increase riders ability to hold on to the handle bars
Eye Protection - clear glasses
Spare Tube (that matches their bike tire size)
Tire levers
Biking specific multi tool (See this document for further information)
Small bike pump either carried on the rider or mounted to the frame
Water Bottle - 1 Bottle for every 45 minutes of anticipated exercise
Skills Learned at HMTB/DCMTB
Fix a flat tire / replace a tube
Remount a dropped chain
Fix a broken chain
Remove a bent disc brake rotor or release a brake on a bent wheel (1 only!!!)
Straighten off center handle bars
HMTB/DCMTB Team Rules
Sportsmanship – As representatives of your team, school, and the cycling community, it's crucial to exhibit sportsmanship in all activities. This includes treating teammates, coaches, spectators, and officials with respect. Large gatherings of student-athletes on trails can be daunting to other users; thus, being mindful and considerate ensures a cohesive team environment.
Helmets – Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. Under no circumstances is a student permitted to ride without a securely fastened helmet. All team members are expected to lead by example in adhering to this safety rule.
Safety – Scholastic mountain biking is not considered an extreme sport. Practices and races are designed to be enjoyable and brisk, yet they must align with each athlete's capabilities. Coaches prioritize teaching safety techniques and skills. Taking unnecessary risks or attempting maneuvers beyond one's skill level is unacceptable. Safe riding speeds will vary depending on the terrain and the rider's experience, and it's essential to maintain the ability to stop safely within the visible range ahead.
Respect – Riding is permitted solely on authorized trails. To protect the trails and ensure their longevity, avoid riding on muddy paths. When passing, do so with caution and alert others to your presence well in advance. Always give right of way to pedestrians with pets on leashes, and exercise extra caution around horses, which may require dismounting and moving off the trail to let others pass. The use of headphones is prohibited to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
Service & Volunteering – Active participation in service projects is expected of each team member. In addition, members should encourage family and friends to volunteer on race days or for other support roles. Our team's success is heavily reliant on the support of volunteers.
Practice Groups – Practices are conducted in training groups to support and develop riders at all skill levels. Riders are expected to remain with their assigned group and exert their best effort during each practice session.
Bicycles & Maintenance – Riders must ensure their bicycles are functional and well-maintained for practices and races. Experiencing mechanical issues, such as flat tires, is a normal part of cycling. Coaches will instruct on basic bicycle maintenance throughout the season. Riders are expected to learn and be able to perform essential repairs on the trail. Each rider is responsible for their bicycle's condition and safety.
Injuries, Illnesses, Medical Conditions – It is crucial to report any condition that might impair safe riding. Parents are responsible for informing the coach about their child's health conditions or injuries. Depending on the situation, a medical release, as determined by the coach, may be necessary before returning to participation.
Concussions – The team takes concussions very seriously, requiring a medical release for any rider suspected of having a concussion before they can return to practice. Every coach has completed CDC Concussion training to ensure the safety and well-being of all team members.
Group Ride Rules
Coach-to-Student Ratio: Always maintain a ratio of at least 1 coach for every 6 students, with a preference for 2 coaches for every 8 students to ensure personalized attention and safety.
Visibility: Ensure the first and last students in the group are always within eyesight to maintain group cohesion and safety.
Awareness: Students must always know where their group’s coaches are located. It is a shared responsibility among all group members to keep the team together.
Regrouping: Coaches should regularly regroup, agreeing in advance on how often this should occur to keep the group unified and on track.
Trail Intersection Protocol: Stop at every trail intersection when the route is unfamiliar to anyone in the group, ensuring no one gets lost or separated.
Engaging Slower Riders: If waiting for slower riders becomes frequent, engage them with technical skills practice or hill repeats to make efficient use of time and keep them motivated.
Pace Management: Remember that rides are not races. There's a natural tendency to start fast; however, make a conscious effort to begin slowly and allow for a proper warmup.
Safety Advocacy: Coaches and riders should openly express safety concerns regarding both team members and the wider community. Cultivate an environment where speaking up about risky behaviors or activities is encouraged. Coaches will lead by example in this regard.
Speed Consideration: Maintain speeds under 10 mph when passing pedestrians on multi-use trails to ensure everyone's safety.
Trail Etiquette: Recognize that rides are not races and respect the right of everyone to enjoy the trail, including dog walkers, horse riders, and runners.
Navigating Difficult Sections: Riders feeling uneasy about a particular trail section are encouraged to walk it or scout it on foot before attempting to ride. Offer each rider the space and time they need to navigate trails comfortably.
Mountain Biking Trail Etiquette
Ride Predictably – Pull off the trail to stop. Don’t stop in the middle of the trail.
Cyclists yield to all other non-motorized trail users:
ALWAYS Dismount for Horses (Both feet on the ground). Ask the horse owner what you should do.
Don’t force Pedestrians to step off the trail for you to ride by. Either dismount or ride by slowly allowing them to stay on the trail.
Always let people know you are coming from behind. Friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods.
Say hello to everyone… be friendly. (“Good morning!”, “Beautiful Dog!”, “Beautiful Day!”, “Thank you”)
Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic.
Be an Ambassador for our sport! – Follow the rules and speak up when others don’t.
FAQ's
Do I Already Have To Know How To Ride A Mountain Bike?
No! All skills required for learning how to ride will be taught at practices.
Who do I race against?
Races are divided into different categories based on age, ability and gender.
In Middle School, you will race against your grade level and gender. For example, 7th Grade Girls.
In High School, you will race against your ability level and gender. For example, Junior Varsity Boys.
What equipment will I need?
Besides having a properly fitted bike, you will need a properly fitted helmet (which is a requirement for all riders) as well as filled water bottles at each practice and bikes tubes if the bike is not tubeless. Other equipment that is really recommended is a good pair of padded bike shorts. And lastly, it would be nice to have biking gloves and sunglasses but it's not necessary.
How Often Is Practice And Where Are Practices Held?
Practices are held 2-3 times a week plus Trail Rides on certain Saturdays. We use Camp Catherine for some practices, but most are at our private training grounds in South Londonderry Township.
Where does the Team Trail Ride?
On Saturday mornings during the training season, we utilize local trail syatems including Hershey Med Center Trials, Swatara State park, and Mt. Gretna.
How many Races are there and where are they?
There are typically 5 races during the fall season, of various formats. They are located throughout the state.
Do I Have To Participate In Races?
While we would love to have everyone try out at least one race, we understand that not everyone has that desire to race (but once you try one we think you will be hooked!). If you don't want to race but still want to experience the team race environment, come along with a friend and cheer on your teammates.